The topwood on this guitar is Thermo-Cured Appalachian Red Spruce, one of the most aggressive and powerful woods available. Red Spruce provides virtually unlimited headroom when played hard, perfect for heavy handed bluegrass players who are competing with louder string band instruments such as banjos and fiddles.

Huss and Dalton's new Thermo-Cured Appalachian Red Spruce tops are treated with a unique curing process. The commercial version of this process, known as, “thermo curing”, “wood torrefaction” or “roasting”, was developed in Finland to enhance durability and appearance of other wood materials.

Torrefaction is a thermochemical treatment of biomass at 200 to 320 °C. It is carried out under atmospheric pressure and in the absence of oxygen, i.e. with no air. During the torrefaction process, the water contained in the biomass as well as superfluous volatiles are released, and the biopolymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) partly decompose, giving off various types of volatiles. The final product is the remaining solid, dry, blackened material which is referred to as “torrefied biomass” or “bio-coal”.

During the process, the biomass typically loses 20% of its mass (dry bone basis) and 10% of its heating value, with no appreciable change in volume. This energy (the volatiles) can be used as a heating fuel for the torrefaction process. After the biomass is torrefied it can be densified, usually into briquettes or pellets using conventional densification equipment, to increase its mass and energy density and to improve its hydrophobic properties. The final product may repel water and thus can be stored in moist air or rain without appreciable change in moisture content or heating value, unlike the original biomass from which it is made.

The Indian Rosewood back and sides provide a deep, extended low end when compared to mahogany. This particular set of Indian Rosewood is not only beautiful, it provides a perfect tone and volume for all styles of play. The low end is clear, distinct and incredibly powerful, without sacrificing the strong high end.

The Adirondack Braces are connected with hot hide glue. Hide Glue sets up very hard, like glass, allowing more energy transfer through the bracing. Hot Hide Glue adds responsiveness across the spectrum. This type of glue was used on the early guitars we have all fallen in love with, but later phased out due to the time required to use it, not to mention the mess it makes. The sonic benefits can't be ignored, adding not only responsiveness, but a new level of detail and clarity.